Tips to help students overcome obstacles when studying for the IAS

It takes time and effort to study for the extensive exam syllabus. It might take months only to become acquainted with each subject's curriculum. Multiple tries may discourage hopefuls and lead to a change in professional path. Unsuccessful applicants suffer a number of challenges in their professions as a result of missing so many crucial years of their lives to prepare for the UPSC test.

Understanding the concerns of civil service hopefuls is critical. Let us look at the difficulties linked with the UPSC test and how to overcome them:
1. HOW TO BEGIN

It is difficult to begin preparing for this exam. Understanding the UPSC exam's question style and scoring methodology is difficult. Most aspirants take their time determining where and how to begin.

Speak with professors and senior candidates to find out sooner. Familiarize yourself with the strategies of successful applicants, attempt to limit your resources, and create your own study plan.

2. MASSIVE SYLLABUS

The UPSC syllabus covers geography, politics, history, economics, international relations, science and technology, and ethics. Candidates sometimes believe that they may be asked "anything under the sun" from such a broad exam topic. Furthermore, they must select a specific subject as their optional subject and prepare it to graduation level in less than a year.
Furthermore, the loosely defined 'current events' is becoming an increasingly essential and vital aspect of the curriculum. Many people find it difficult to prepare for all of these syllabus sections in a short period of time.

Break up the curriculum into smaller sections. Determine priority topics by reviewing past years' question papers on a regular basis. Adopt a methodical approach to covering the whole course. Preferably, study two subjects at once and finish them in a timely way. Then on to the next two.

3. PERIOD

Most people struggle to pass the test on their first attempt. This is not one of those examinations that you can pass by putting out a half-hearted effort or becoming sidetracked. Aspirants frequently can't wait to complete studying the extensive material and sit for the exam. However, this exam needs the polar opposite. It takes perseverance and patience.

4. FINANCIAL WORRIES

Preparing for the IAS exam can be an expensive endeavour. Many applicants believe they require coaching programmes, exam series, and books, all of which are costly. Applicants must frequently leave their homes and require large financial resources to prepare in a hectic metropolis like Delhi, where the cost of living is equally high. Candidates, particularly those from the poorer classes, sometimes struggle to support their preparation and stay.

To circumvent this, consider using freely available internet resources, studying from home, and looking for low-cost courses and EMI-based payment plans.

5. TROUBLESHOOTING, MANY REVISIONS, AND BORING

UPSC hopefuls must wait a year before retaking the test. Due to the significant time interval between tries, candidates are frequently unable to judge their weaknesses and may forget the topics covered. Every subsequent attempt necessitates a review of the same curriculum, which can become repetitive and monotonous.

To deal with this, keep a good support system, meditate, obtain proper speed, and pursue a pastime.

6. MANY STAGES AND PAPERS

The UPSC test is multi-staged, with many exams and subjects. As a result, a multi-pronged strategy is required. In the interview stage, you must develop the capacity to answer multiple-choice questions, prepare essays, and deal with a panel of senior officials.
To master all of these characteristics, a great deal of dedication, devotion, and hard effort are required.

7. STUDY PLAN AND SCHEDULE

It might be difficult to create a timetable that includes all of the many disciplines and themes. You should also plan for several revisions because they are necessary for learning and remembering the subject. Practice exams should also be included in your timetable.

Set specific goals, put them to the test at the appropriate moment, and achieve your objectives. Make a simple timetable and update it as your progress and requirements change.

8. WHAT IF...

Success in a difficult test like this is not assured, no matter how good one's intentions and honest efforts are.

If the applicant fails the UPSC test after many attempts, they should have a backup plan. Depending on one's specialisation and background, this might be a company or a profession. A backup plan demonstrates forethought rather than fear of failure. So having a backup plan makes logical.

9. SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Everyone, including family and friends, wishes for a young person's success in life. They must cope with not just preparing for their jobs, but also social expectations to begin earning, marry, and settle down. This might cause a person to become nervous, impatient, and find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork.
Talk to your parents, mentors, supportive friends, and fellow hopefuls about how to cope with them. Reach out to anybody you trust to give you honest, positive, and constructive advise.

The UPSC test is a mental as well as an intellectual challenge. Overcoming all obstacles - psychological, economical, societal, and intellectual - is critical. The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory in overcoming it.